Flying Blue
Estimated value: 1.3¢ per mile
Air France/KLM Flying Blue is the combined frequent flyer program for Air France (AF) and KLM (KL), both SkyTeam members. Flying Blue miles transfer from multiple US bank programs and are particularly valuable for monthly Promo Rewards — deeply discounted awards published each month on specific routes. Key strengths: monthly Promo Rewards offer 25–50% off specific routes (check first day of each month); SkyTeam partner network; useful for Air France business class to Europe; miles earn 1:1 from Citi TY, Amex MR, Capital One. Best for: travelers targeting Air France/KLM routes to Europe, Francophone Africa, or Asia who can take advantage of monthly promo awards.
Credit card programs that can transfer points to Flying Blue
1.3¢
per mile (baseline)
Inbound transfers (all 1:1): - Amex Membership Rewards - Citi ThankYou Points (1:1 for premium cardholders, 10:7 otherwise) - Capital One Miles - Wells Fargo Rewards When to transfer: - Only transfer for a confirmed booking, specifically for Promo Rewards months - Check Flying Blue website on the 1st of each month for Promo Rewards pricing - Business class to Europe on promo: often 40,000–50,000 miles one-way
Best Flying Blue redemptions: Promo Rewards (check monthly, published ~1st of month): - Europe economy: ~10,000–15,000 miles one-way on promo - Europe business class: ~40,000–55,000 miles one-way on promo (50% off standard) - KLM Amsterdam hub or Air France Paris CDG Standard awards (no promo): - Economy to Europe: ~25,000 miles one-way - Business to Europe: ~60,000–80,000 miles one-way Avoid off-promo standard pricing where costs can be high. Always check Promo Rewards before transferring.
US earning primarily through bank point transfers. Co-branded cards: - Air France/KLM World Elite Mastercard (Bank of America): earns Flying Blue miles directly; 3x on AF/KLM purchases, 1.5x everywhere else Flying Blue Shopping portal and partner hotels stack with flight earning.